Well, in all the hubbub surrounding the NCAA tournament, few noticed when embattled coach Dave Leitao stepped down today at my alma mater. As it turns out, 10-18 isn’t good enough to survive in the ACC. Who knew? I figured we were in for a special season when we lost to Liberty early in the season. I mean, losing in-state is one thing, but losing to Jerry Falwell’s school? C’mon, Leitao.
I think this passage from the AP story tells it best:
The Cavaliers routinely trailed by double figures at halftime, even at John Paul Jones Arena, where they went 9-8, and fan interest waned as the team’s difficulties continued.
The $130 million arena, opened just three years ago, seats more than 14,000 for basketball, but drew an average of just over 10,000 this season. Apathy was more apparent during Leitao’s weekly hourlong radio show, which more than once attracted no callers.
There you have it. I don’t really have anything to add about Leitao, but here are five coaches I think the Hoos should target.
1. Anthony Grant (VCU) — Dude is a great recruiter, as can be seen by the fact that Billy Donovan has done nothing since he left Florida. Developed Eric Maynor into a lottery pick point guard. In order to succeed at UVA, you’re going to need to develop talent until you can start getting the blue chippers away from Duke and UNC and Wake Forest and, shit, Virginia Tech. Grant can do that.
2. Mike Anderson (Missouri) — I don’t even want to think about it, but Anderson’s style would be great at a mid-level ACC school. Combine the frenetic press that he’s known for with ACC caliber athletes, and it should be pretty fun to watch. Mizzou better pay the man, or else he’ll be one hot commodity this summer. I don’t think UVA would beat out SEC schools like Alabama or Georgia if Anderson decides to jump ship.
3. Craig Robinson (Oregon State) — Doubt he’d leave after just one year, but Robinson sure could afford to be closer to his sis, Michelle, who lives in a White House pretty close to Charlottesville. A little executive assistance could help Robinson recruit in state. Maybe.
4. Sean Miller (Xavier) — The Atlantic 10 is a dying conference, and Miller’s Musketeers have been the class of the league for the last several years. The Xavier-to-Virginia pipeline was opened by the great Pete Gillen, so let’s get Miller in here and see what he can do.
5. Brad Stevens (Butler) — Dude is just 31 and has only had two years at Butler, but they’ve been impressive years. He might be a year or two away, but maybe UVA can luck out and get him early and hope for the best. Might be too risky for a team that desperately needs a home run hire this time around.
Honorable Mention: Quin Snyder (Austin Toros) — What a feel good story. Quin deserves another shot, especially in the ACC. Who’s with me?!
